Shloka 18
भीष्मभीमसमागमः — Bhīṣma–Bhīma Strategic Engagement and Counsel to the King
उसमें दस हजार घोड़े, उतने ही हाथी और दस हजार रथ तथा आपके चित्रसेन आदि शूरवीर पुत्र कवच धारण करके पितामह भीष्मकी रक्षा कर रहे थे ।।
sañjaya uvāca | rakṣyamāṇaḥ sa tais śūrair gopyamānāśva-tena te | sannaddhāḥ samadṛśyanta rājānaś ca mahābalāḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Protected by those heroes—and in turn safeguarding the Aśva-s (the cavalry/horsemen) under their charge—Bhīṣma stood secure. There, many mighty kings were seen fully armoured and ready for battle. The scene underscores the reciprocal duty of protection in war: leaders are defended by their warriors, and the warriors are sustained and shielded by the leader they uphold.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights reciprocal responsibility in righteous warfare: warriors protect their commander, and the commander’s presence, strategy, and authority protect and sustain the warriors. This mutual guardianship reflects kṣatriya-dharma—duty-bound protection rather than mere aggression.
Sañjaya describes the Kaurava battle formation around Bhīṣma: heroes stand as his protective screen, while many powerful kings appear armoured and prepared to fight, indicating a fully mobilized and disciplined war-front.